One of Leeds United’s star summer signings has explained why the atmosphere at Elland Road is completely different from the Bundesliga, following his move to the Premier League.
There is a strong German connection at Leeds at the moment, led by head coach Daniel Farke, who cut his teeth in the German footballing pyramid.
Farke raided the Bundesliga this summer, bringing in Anton Stach, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Lukas Nmecha from the competition ahead of Leeds’ return to the Premier League.
Stach has enjoyed the most success of the three to date, scoring his first goal against Wolves, having established himself in the Leeds midfield, before Farke dropped him after picking up an injury.
Now, Stach has explained why the fact that the Elland Road crowd is sometimes quieter than those in the Bundesliga is no bad thing, as he reflected on his experience in England to date.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesAnton Stach praised the role of the Leeds United fans
Speaking to German website Kicker, Stach explained the key difference between the atmosphere in the stadiums in England and Germany.
According to Stach, while the German crowds are constantly singing, the English crowds are more invested in the game, as shown by the way fans will celebrate individual moments in the game. “It’s completely different from the Bundesliga; it’s a great experience,” Stach said.
“It starts with the atmosphere. I’m not saying it’s better here, but it’s different. The crowd reacts more to the situation.
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“The stadium can be quieter at times; there are fewer chants than in Germany, but during periods of sustained pressure, the stadium is incredibly loud.
“Then you realise that everyone is really giving it their all to push you forward; every tackle is celebrated. Our fans, in particular, are amazing. The strategy in the game is different, too.”
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesLeeds United’s home form will be key to Premier League survival
Leeds’ recent defeat against Brighton provided another key reminder of why Leeds’ form at Elland Road will be crucial to their Premier League survival hopes this season.
Although Leeds have won one away game against Wolves, they have failed to score in the other four of their five games away from home this season, picking up just three points.
By contrast, Leeds have lost just once at home this season, in the 2-1 defeat against Spurs, securing two wins and two draws from five games.
According to SoccerStats, Leeds sit 13th in the league on home form, but are in 17th on away form. On the evidence of the season to date, they will need every bit of help they can get from the Elland Road crowd.